Minoxidil (1 ml, 2%
solution) has been tested against nitroglycerine (2.5 g, 10%
ointment) and placebo in a prospective, double-blind controlled trial in transcutaneous
therapy for organic
impotence. A total of 116 patients participated in the study.
Impotence aetiology breakdown was as follows: arterial, 61 cases; neurogenic, 34; arterial plus neurogenic, 12; venous leakage, 9. The application sites for treatment were: glans penis (
minoxidil and placebo), penile shaft (nitroglycerine). All patients underwent through sexological counselling sessions (at outset and prior to subsequent changes in
drug used). The results were considered positive if all symptoms of
impotence (ie 'slow' erection, loss of erection, insufficient erection) were resolved; if even one symptom remained the results were considered negative. Side-effects were also considered.
Minoxidil proved significantly more active than nitroglycerine which was, in turn, more effective than placebo.
Minoxidil proved significantly more active in neurogenic impotent patients. Fewer side-effects were found with
minoxidil than with nitroglycerine. These data lead one to consider
minoxidil useful in the treatment of selected cases of organic
impotence, as long as psychological conflict regarding sex and
drug use are carefully removed.